Editorial: Let’s focus on Midland's issues this campaign season

Published 1:48 pm, Sunday, July 21, 2013

Traffic on Big Spring at dusk May 14, 2013. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Traffic on Big Spring at dusk May 14, 2013. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram

Photo: JAMES DURBIN

Editorial: Let’s focus on Midland's issues this campaign season

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We know there will be a competitive election for mayor. That is news we like to hear.

At this point we have heard two members of the current Midland City Council are going to run. Last week’s news that Jerry Morales has joined John James in the race to become Midland’s 28th mayor was not surprising but lets us know that we are in store for one of the more exciting mayoral campaigns in recent memory.

We consider both James and Morales capable candidates, able to manage a campaign that can win citywide. Morales currently sits in a position elected by all Midlanders, and James sits in a seat that historically is one of Midland’s most conservative.

Both will have spirited followings, which brings us to the point of this editorial.

James, Morales and anyone else interested in running for mayor need to keep their campaigns about the issues. We are not interested in distractions that keep Midlanders from electing the right man or woman to lead us in what arguably is one of the most critical periods in our city’s history.

Roads, housing, infrastructure, water, city planning, sales tax issues, community development -- our community is dealing with challenges never before experienced as our population shoots toward 130,000 to 150,000.

This newspaper will be focused on delivering the information that matters to our readers, and we call on all candidates -- including those who choose to run for other council seats -- to keep their campaigns focused on what really matters. We don’t need campaign styles to resemble those we have seen by candidates trying to land in Austin or Washington. The process deserves better.

The Reporter-Telegram has not decided whether it will endorse any of the Council races. We maintain that our primary purpose is to deliver the information that allows the readers to make the most-informed decision.

Our editorial board hopes to have the opportunity to speak with all candidates. If a candidate’s message is one that really speaks to what Midlanders should hear, then we might add our voice to those making endorsements this political season.

Still, we call on the candidates to take ownership of their campaigns and their supporters so their campaigns stay on the high road. There is a message that Midlanders need to hear to make one of the most important decisions in recent political times. Keeping the communication lines free of unnecessary noise isn’t just a request. It’s a necessity.